Correlation between Vitamin D Level and the Development of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Pediatric Population: Early Detection

Abstract Background Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity with unclear etiology. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the etiology of AIS through its impacts on bone metabolism. The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between vitamin D level and the development of idiopathic scoliosis in pediatric patient. Methods This study involved 130 patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis aged 7 to 18 years at a physiotherapy and rehabilitation center, Qena, Egypt, between May 2021 and October 2022. Patients’ clinical and demographic data were extracted from the medical record including age, gender, height, weight, serum vitamin D level, and Cobb angle. Scoliosis was identified when Cobb angle equal to and greater than 10 degrees. Results Patients’ mean age was 13.1 ± 2.75 years, mean level of vitamin D in the sample was 10.3 ng/ml ± 4.76, mean weight of 47.4 kg ± 9.63. In the patient group, the mean value of the Cobb angle was 16.8 degrees 5.79 with a 95% CI between 15.8 and 17.8. Vitamin D level was positively correlated with age (p < 0.001, r = 0.45), Cobb angle (p = 0.18, r = 0.11), and weight (p < .001, r = 0.51), Conclusion In conclusion, we found that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of AIS by affecting the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in human bone. As a result, we recommended testing vitamin D levels in those with AIS. there is a positive correlation between vitamin D levels and Cobb's angle. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency should be examined in patients having AIS.